Season 2, Episode 8
Original Air Date: October 31, 1990
I should have known better than to doubt the powerhouse producing duo of Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley. It’s crazy that two of the biggest TV giants of all time—Bochco (Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, NYPD Blue) and Kelley (Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, The Practice, Boston Legal, Ally McBeal)—created a show together. It’s even crazier that the show they created was about a 16-year-old doctor.
I have vague memories of seeing reruns of Doogie Howser, M.D. Even though the show ended when I was only four years old, I still remembered it being about Doogie trying to balance his personal and professional life alongside his rambunctious, fast-talking best friend, Vinnie (Max Casella). Also, every episode ended with Doogie typing out what he’d learned on his old-school IBM computer.
If not for the career resurgence of Neil Patrick Harris, one has to wonder if Doogie Howser would be that well-remembered—or even if it should be remembered. Well, based on the episode I watched, “Revenge of the Teenage Dead,” it should be remembered because it’s a well-made, well-acted show full of heart and late ‘80s/early ‘90s nostalgia.
The episode opens with Vinnie trying (and failing) to capture the energy and emotion he needs to complete his slasher/zombie film, “Revenge of the Teenage Dead”. Doogie, along with acting in his best friend’s film, has also been tasked with mentoring an even younger genius, Gregory (Christopher Pettiet), to determine if he’s ready for medical school. Jeez, how many child prodigy doctors are on this show?
The problem is, Gregory doesn’t know how to be a kid! He thinks movies are frivolous and calls his dad “Stuart.” Doogie convinces Gregory to hang out with his friends and, even better, Gregory lands the role of the chainsaw-wielding killer in Vinnie’s movie. Initially defensive, Gregory eventually learns to enjoy the art of “vegging out,” as Doogie might say. Stuart raises concerns about Doogie’s methods, but Gregory stands up for himself, and all is well.
At the end of the episode, we get to watch Doogie and his friends and family watch the movie. It’s actually not that bad. Vinnie is upset that everyone is laughing instead of screaming, but Doogie convinces him that the laughter is what makes the film special. Wow, Doogie dispenses wisdom like it’s nobody’s business.
Does all of this sound hokey and predictable? Yes, but it works because of NPH. The kid is a natural. You can see how he broke the curse of child stardom and built a career as a talented adult. I also like the show’s writing. Doogie Howser, M.D. is a show for children that doesn’t talk down to them. It tackles issues with maturity without veering into full-on melodrama.
I can’t vouch for the rest of the series, but I liked this episode a lot. The early ‘90s setting and crisp film stock (the show is streaming on Disney+ and looks great) feel like a warm bath of nostalgia. If you haven’t checked in with Doogie in a while—or ever—I think it’s time to make an appointment.